Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Book Review: The Sewing Book by Alison Smith

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This is the sewing encyclopedia I didn’t know I needed—but now can’t live without. Seriously, The Sewing Book by Alison Smith is one of those must-have reference books that just lives on my sewing table now, covered in little sticky notes and bits of thread.

It’s huge in the best way. Packed with photos, techniques, and clear step-by-steps, it kind of feels like a workshop in book form. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to properly sew in a zipper (finally cracked that one!) or want to level up your tailoring game, there’s something in here for every skill level. I’ve been sewing on and off for years, and I still found so many golden nuggets of info.

The best part? It’s not just dry technique. The layout and visuals are gorgeous, and everything is explained in a really approachable, non-intimidating way. Alison knows her stuff but never makes you feel like you’re doing it “wrong”—she just shows you how to do it better. I even learned a few things about fabric I hadn’t come across before.

I’ve already recommended this to a couple of friends who are just starting out, and they’re loving it too. It’s kind of like the ultimate sewing safety net—if I’m stuck or second-guessing a step, this book usually has the answer.

If you sew—whether it’s garments, home decor, costumes, whatever—this belongs on your shelf. Or, let’s be honest, on your sewing table next to the chocolate and the tangled measuring tape. Total keeper.

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Corn Learning Activities

Years ago I did a post all about using Indian corn (or flint corn) in learning activities, but I don’t think I’ve ever done a post about regular corn learning activities, so let’s get into it. 

Print out this corn number recognition activity from I Heart Crafty Things and use yellow dot stickers for kids to match and cover the numbers from 2 to 12 that they get when rolling dice. Or do some corn kernel math with these ideas from Gift of Curiosity. Kids can guess how many kernels are in a cup or bowl, then count them, and learn about grouping 5 or 10 kernels together and using skip counting to count faster if they’re ready for that. 

I think the only language arts corn learning activity I found was this letter recognition activity from My Pre K Box. Print out the corn shape and use round stickers to match the letter on the kernel to the one on the sticker. 

I found a lot of printables that include the life cycle of corn and other activities, like this one from MomBrite, which includes a word search and other activities; or this 16-page Montessori inspired corn unit study that includes life cycle, labeling, three part cards and more from Only Passionate Curiosity; or the corn worksheets from Simple Everyday Mom, which includes writing practice, a letter identification maze and a label the parts of corn worksheet. 

Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus has a free for subscribers printable life cycle foldout that is a fun way to present the information. They used it in a sensory bin but you can just use it as a part of teaching about corn if you’d rather. 

Dancing corn is a classic science activity done with baking soda and vinegar. Get the instructions from Fun Learning for Kids.

Kids Konnect has a set of printables and facts all about corn mazes, which is fun if going to a corn maze is part of your fall tradition. 

And you can craft a funny ear of corn with this printable from Craft Corner DIY.

14 Mexican Street Corn Recipes [Edible Crafts]